Reporter shares conspiracy theory about Jets' Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter shares comeback conspiracy theory about Jets' Aaron Rodgers

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/21/23

NFL reporter Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post isn't completely buying that the New York Jets activated injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers just to have him "out on the football field" around teammates as an inactive practicing participant over the final three weeks of what became a lost season for the organization.

"But what happens when — surprise! — Rodgers suddenly is moving around so much better than expected in practice next week or the week after?" Dunleavy asked for a piece published Thursday. "Will he enter a game just to prove he made it back from a torn Achilles faster than anyone in history and that his often-ridiculed scientific beliefs are legitimate? Or will he remain shut down?"

Jets head coach Robert Saleh insisted while speaking with reporters on Wednesday that Rodgers won't play again this season coming off the torn Achilles the 40-year-old suffered on Sept. 11, largely because New York is eliminated from playoff contention. As individuals such as Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio and Bridget Hyland of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com mentioned, though, Rodgers is taking up a roster spot that theoretically could be used on even a special-teams contributor:

Here's the deal with FB Nick Bawden, who was cut to make room for Aaron Rodgers: He will be added to the practice squad, then elevated if he's healthy (he missed practice yesterday with a knee injury). As a vested vet, his 2023 salary became guaranteed in Week 1, so it's not like…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 21, 2023

"The real medical pioneer is going to be the first pro athlete who plays in a game less than four months removed from Achilles surgery," Dunleavy continued. "Rodgers is smart enough to know the distinction. So, don’t rule out that he makes a ceremonial start to hand the ball off once. Or takes a kneel-down snap. Or plays a full series. Or somehow gets his name into a box score before the end of the season."

Rodgers presumably has the authority to force his way onto the field for a handful of snaps during the Jets' home finale against the 4-10 Washington Commanders this Sunday or, if he wants to wait, during the Week 18 matchup at the New England Patriots (3-11) that's essentially meaningless for the 2023 editions of both teams.

"We should all believe Rodgers isn’t going to try to play this season when we see the final second of the final game tick off the clock," Dunleavy added.

Such a moment won't occur before Jan. 7.

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